Post navigation

Decatur Farms Requesting Berlin Trash Pickup Service

BERLIN – The Decatur Farm Townhouse Homeowners Association has asked to take advantage of a new policy in Berlin permitting town trash service on private streets.

A dispute between the townhouse developer, Centex, and the town government has nothing to do with the request and has not delayed service to the area, said town administrator Tony Carson. The town is currently engaged in discussions with Centex over incomplete project items, but Carson called the discussion a normal part of the development process.

Kristy Clark, president of the Decatur Farm Townhouse Homeowners Association, and Kelly Soscia, vice president, asked the Berlin Mayor and Council during the public comments portion of Monday night’s council meeting to take over trash pick-up in their neighborhood.

The town code now allows communities on private roads within town limits to enter an agreement with Berlin’s Public Works Department to pick up trash, a service covered by payment of town taxes.

“I think you’re the first people to take us up on it,” said Berlin Mayor Gee Williams.

The roads in the townhouse section of Decatur Farm were never meant to be taken over by the town, the usual first requirement for town-provided trash service. Roads to be turned over must meet certain standards, but the townhouse roads were not built to those specifications and were never meant for transition to Berlin.

Carson said at the meeting that he and Public Works Director Mike Gibbons would meet with the homeowners association. Some logistical issues must be worked out, such as where trash trucks can go, and whether there is room for the vehicles to turn around.

Solutions will be brought back to the council, Carson said, for approval.

“We might have to come up with a hybrid system here,” said Williams.

Soscia also asked about the status of street lighting.

Streetlights are still under discussion and the details must be kept under wraps, according to Carson.

“There’s a difference of opinion on who should put up the money for something that should have been done ages ago,” he said.

“The key is, we’ve got to find a way to get the trash picked up and everybody served,” said Williams.